Industry Organizations Express Concerns Over Draft Law on Agricultural Supply Chain

Fourteen industry organizations have expressed strong concerns over a draft law on the supply chain of agricultural products and food in an opinion submitted to senior Bulgarian officials, arguing that the proposed legislation does not comply with EU law and could lead to serious legal and economic consequences for the country. The organizations, representing various sectors of the agricultural industry, argue that the draft is not a workable or applicable solution for improving the food supply chain. Instead, they propose a thorough analysis to identify necessary changes in existing legislation and recommend improving the supply chain through amendments to current laws.

Key Takeaways:

• The draft law on the supply chain of agricultural products and food has been met with strong concerns from fourteen industry organizations, who argue that it does not comply with EU law and could lead to serious legal and economic consequences for Bulgaria.
• The organizations propose that the proposed bill carries significant risks and that the goal of strengthening the market position of agricultural producers should be achieved through incentives for cooperation and improved protection against unfair trading practices.
• The organizations support amending existing legislation rather than introducing emergency measures that could jeopardize the functioning of supply chains and food security.
• The organizations suggest a thorough analysis to identify necessary changes in the Protection of Competition Act and improving the supply chain through amendments to current legislation.
• The opinion was signed by Association of Meat Processors in Bulgaria, Bulgarian Soft Drinks Association, and 11 other industry organizations.

Statistics:

• Fourteen industry organizations submitted an opinion to senior Bulgarian officials expressing concerns over the draft law.
• The proposed legislation has been criticized for not complying with EU law.
• The organizations propose that the goal of strengthening the market position of agricultural producers should be achieved through incentives for cooperation and improved protection against unfair trading practices.
• The organizations suggest that amending existing legislation is a better solution than introducing emergency measures that could jeopardize supply chains and food security.

Sources:

• BTA learned
• Association of Meat Processors in Bulgaria
• Bulgarian Soft Drinks Association
• Association of Fish Products Producers 'BG Fish'
• National Vine and Wine Chamber
• National Branch Union of Bakers and Confectioners
• Oilseed Oil Producers Association in Bulgaria
• Food Drink Bulgaria Association
• Union of Brewers in Bulgaria
• Union of Fruit and Vegetable Processors
• Union of Sugar and Sugar Products Producers
• Union of Poultry Breeders in Bulgaria
• Bulgarian Association for Industrial Pig Breeding
• Association of Pig Breeders in Bulgaria
• Union of Bulgarian Millers